Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are provided methods, capsules, and delivery systems useful in preparing biological containment systems with properties (e.g., mechanical strength, capsule permeability and porosity, desired controlled release rates of the biologic or components secreted by the biologic, and immunoreactivity) that can be varied to adapt to a broader range of physiological conditions than known biological containment systems. There are also provided methods of making capsules containing cell aggregates therein, as well as the capsules formed thereby, which are useful as a quantitatively plentiful and low cost alternative to usage of freshly harvested cell aggregates (e.g., islets from pancreas), since the latter are usually available only in limited numbers.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are provided methods, capsules, and delivery systems useful in preparing biological containment systems with properties (e.g., mechanical strength, capsule permeability and porosity, desired controlled release rates of the biologic or components secreted by the biologic, and immunoreactivity) that can be varied to adapt to a broader range of physiological conditions than known biological containment systems. There are also provided methods of making capsules containing cell aggregates therein, as well as the capsules formed thereby, which are useful as a quantitatively plentiful and low cost alternative to usage of freshly harvested cell aggregates (e.g., islets from pancreas), since the latter are usually available only in limited numbers.